If you garage is sitting close to the edge of your property, depending on the distance to your neighbors home, you will need to give a 30 day notice to excavate.

Try to find something local and if not look long distance.

I'm looking to better understand the different laws and technicalities involved in owning a long distance rental south of the border.

I had a realtor and a management company that is helping me manage it at a distance.

The locations of subdivisions are pushing the limits on a commuter.

The area is full of people who commute to NY for work. 

But I don’t have a lot saved, so I was gonna look for a place upstate, something long distance, maybe 3-5 hours away.

You could/would do it as an "investment property" (25% down minimum) if it were 2-4 unit.If you're trying to bend or break the rules and do it as a "primary residence," then you're going to have to convince an underwriter that you do a commute of 5 hours each way 5 days a week... not likely. 

Would buying in a more affordable area cause you to spend a lot more time in traffic on your daily commute? 

I've read several books, including Brandon's book on Rental Property Investing, David's BRRRR and Long-Distance REI books, J Scott's book on Estimating Rehab Costs, the ever famous Rich Dad Poor Dad, and am currently mowing my way through Richest Man in Babylon.